Student held in custody until March 25 over arson

Kolkata: Sauptik Chandra, a second-year civil engineering student, has been arrested for his alleged role in an arson incident at the Trinamool-supported ‘Shiksha Bandhu’ office on campus. The incident took place on March 1. On Wednesday, a magistrate denied his bail request and ordered him to remain in police custody until March 25. State counsel Sourin Ghoshal stated that authorities have substantial evidence against Chandra. This includes photographs showing him at the scene and witness statements that confirm his involvement. Additionally, another suspect in custody identified Chandra during their confession. Chandra's lawyer, Debasis Pal, presented a letter from the head of the civil engineering department at Jadavpur University. The letter argued that Chandra is not a flight risk, as he voluntarily reported to the police. Pal emphasized that Chandra has exams scheduled for Thursday, and missing them could hurt his academic career. Police Chief Manoj Verma mentioned that several individuals have been called for questioning in relation to the case. However, they are limiting the number of summons to no more than two per day.